Legal Separation

Many married couples "separate" when contemplating a permanent split or working toward eventual reconciliation. "Legal separation", however, means something specific a court approved separation which defines legally enforceable rights and obligations but does not permanently end the marriage. Legal separation differs from more informal separation because a court must approve and order legal separation. It also differs from divorce because the marriage continues to exist after a legal separation.

Benefits of Legal Separation

Legal separation appeals to couples who do not wish to divorce, but who will live separately and want matters such as child support, child custody and property division clarified legally. Legal separation typically applies to couples who foresee permanent separation, rather than a temporary trial separation. Common reasons a couple might wish to legally separate, rather than divorce, include the financial benefits of remaining married (such as tax incentives) and religious beliefs which may conflict with divorce.

Legal separation offers the benefits of legal clarity akin to divorce orders. Property rights between the two parties are divvied up, as are child custody, child support and spousal support right and obligations. While couples can simply agree to such matters without court involvement, obtaining a court approved legal separation simplifies enforcement of these rights should disputes arise.

Grounds for legal separation typically mirror a states grounds for divorce often including incompatibility, abandonment, adultery and cruelty. As in a divorce, if the legal separation includes child custody, child support, and spousal support conditions, those obligations may only be modified with court approval.

Legal Separation Versus Divorce

Legal separation does not end a marriage. Though rights and obligations of each side are clarified under a courts separation order, the marriage still legally exists. For this reason, people who are legally separated may not marry a new spouse without breaking bigamy laws.

Legal separations also allow couples to more easily return to life together should they decide to reconcile. Unlike a divorced couple, if a legally separated couple wishes to reconcile, they do not need to get married again. They simply need to submit a request to resume the marriage to the court. On the other hand, should a couple decide to permanently end the marriage, a legal separation order greatly simplifies the divorce process.

Legal Separation Versus Other Types of Separation

Many couples separate without the intention to permanently split. They may use a trial separation to work toward reconciliation, or decide to live in separate places. In these cases, legal rights and obligations regarding children, property and debts remain the same as they would in marriage. Issues such as division of marital property or what one spouse would owe in child support might be subject to agreement, but have not been resolved as they may be in a divorce or legal separation order.

Whether the situation calls for trial separation, legal separation, or divorce, a family law attorney can help clarify options and prevent uncertainty.

Next Steps

Contact a qualified divorce attorney to make sureyour rights are protected. (e.g., Chicago, IL or 60611)